At every turn, fans are quick to share their selections of the best games of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? We'll take a moment to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Aggregate Score: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this tech demo were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Critical opinion varied dramatically, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that highlighted the polished software underneath the controversy. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "more than a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers garnered largely negative reviews. Critics noted that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year packed with excellent racing experiences. For many, this sputtering stinker was advised to be left on the shelf.
8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection
Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10
First things first: the awkward colon usage is a minor strike against it. This compilation of 1990s-era Bubsy titles showcases a rude feline known for incessant quips. Critics observed that these games were mediocre to begin with and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score stands as a baffling anomaly to the professional reviews.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5
This manga-based fighter faced harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. Complaints centered on a limited character selection and a dearth of features. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for future projects.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Aggregate Score: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Hailing from the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with collecting Dogoos. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like gameplay loop was unsuccessful, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy Neptunia game. Its brief runtime combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a resurrected relic from the Xbox era, finally released after years and years in development hell. The team behind it opted to preserve the game as an authentic product of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might not appreciate its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews remarked that the interesting history of its journey was far richer than the end product.
4. Scar-Lead
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled third-person shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, samey environments, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was widely panned and took away from the game's potential charm.
3. Ambulance Life
Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 4.9
Imagine the engaging medical sims of the past, then remove the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the core gameplay loop to be a slog, and the story's portrayal of mental health topics was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic digital companion formula turns the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, per critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a complete absence of depth.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a major crime saga from a team featuring experienced developers, *MindsEye* was a notable commercial failure. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the scathing reviews, a tiny number of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, offering a rare vote of confidence.
